Glittering gala for WFMT radio

"This is an opportunity for a little catch-up," sponsor Robert Clifford says. "And it's a great time to celebrate."

A song before supper? How about an entire concert? That's what will kick off WFMT-FM/98.7's 60th anniversary celebration. As mistress of ceremonies, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham will preside over a lineup that includes folk singer Shawn Colvin, guitarist David Broza and a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock. Music lovers can pay $60 for the concert alone; 500 or so who spring $500 will enjoy a cocktail reception and a "dressy and festive" dinner on Millennium Park's Rooftop Terrace. The gala is expected to gross $1.1 million for the operating budget of both the radio station, which focuses on classical and fine-arts programming, and sibling station WTTW-TV/Channel 11. Among its 16 named sponsors are Robert Clifford, 60, senior partner at Clifford Law Offices P.C. in Chicago, and his wife, Joan. Crain's spoke to Mr. Clifford:

CRAIN'S: Why do you support public broadcasting in Chicago?

MR. CLIFFORD: We strongly believe that the community needs the resources of public programming. We think it adds to the fabric of the community. It's very educational. It enlightens individuals' spirits and their minds and opens them to things away from the buzz and hectic world of everyday life.

What role does the station play in maintaining Chicago's status as a global cultural center?

It's essential. For citizens who can't otherwise enjoy our parks, our band shells, our summer concerts, our symphony, opera or museums, public broadcasting is their link to the arts and to the cultural fabric of Chicago. WFMT is blessed with a lot of people who are supporters and feel that way, and thank God they're around.

This gala celebrates WFMT's 60th anniversary. Is this something that sets Chicago apart?

It is something we should be proud of. Not all communities have the resources that can sustain a cultural experience for their citizens. The fact that Chicago has this 60-year-old-and-growing station is pretty remarkable in my mind, especially when public resources, grants and funding are shrinking.

98.7WFMT Diamond Jubilee

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St.

How much: $60 and up

Who'll be there: 1,000 music lovers at the concert, and 500 business people and WFMT supporters at the dinner

WFMT runs several on-air fundraisers a year. Why is this gala important for the financial health of the station?

The organization has to have sustainability. As strong as the support is from those smaller development fundraising events, every now and then you need a big pop, for lack of a better expression, that brings in a significant amount of capital that the organization can rely on to sustain its existence during leaner times. The fact is, the economy now is stronger. If you go back several years, there was a drop in support. This is an opportunity for a little catch-up. And it's a great opportunity to celebrate.

Tell us about the party.

When I saw the array of musicians, I said, "I have to do this." What a wonderful evening and a broad range of talents; there's something for everyone. The party will be a really unique experience, and those kinds of parties are memorable. They add to the experience of enjoying our city.